Interpreting the Upālivāda Sutta by using Hans-Georg Gadamer's Hermeneutics

Abstract

This article aims to interpret the Upālivāda Sutta using Hans-Georg Gadamer's Hermeneutics. The content is divided into three parts: (1) Part 1 discusses the origin and development of Hermeneutics. (2) Part 2 discusses Hans-Georg Gadamer's Hermeneutics. (3) Part 3 interprets the teachings on kamma of the Buddha and Niganthanataputta in the Upālivāda Sutta through the lens of Hans-Georg Gadamer's Hermeneutics. The interpretation results show that the belief held by Niganthanataputta that kāyadaṇḍa is most effective action is a prejudice. Similarly, the belief held by the Buddha that manokamma is the most effective action is also a prejudice. This prejudice leads to a difference in horizon  or understanding on kamma between Niganthanataputta and the Buddha.